What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mood disorder that causes people to have extreme mood changes ranging from depression to mania.

Depressive episodes typically involve overwhelming feelings of sadness and worthlessness, whereas manic episodes often involve excessive energy, euphoria, extreme irritability, and impulsive behavior.

There are highly effective treatments for bipolar disorder. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, individuals usually need treatment on an ongoing basis.

How long do episodes last?

A common misperception is that bipolar mood changes are usually quick and drastic. In reality, episodes can last for days, weeks, months, and rarely years. Moreover, people with bipolar disorder are not always depressive or manic; they can go for long stretches of time in a balanced mood. On average a person with bipolar disorder has four episodes during the first ten years of the illness.¹

Who is at risk for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects more than three percent of the adult population in the United States. Risk factors include family history of either bipolar disorder or depression. Although bipolar disorder most often appears in adolescence or early adulthood, it can arise during childhood or later in life. An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found in all races and ethnic groups.

What is the impact of bipolar disorder?

Not surprisingly, bipolar disorder—especially when untreated—can be destructive to one’s career, relationships, and family life. Fortunately, many individuals with bipolar disorder have found that treatment enables them to continue leading productive, fulfilling lives.

Why is bipolar disorder often misdiagnosed?

Some individuals with bipolar disorder do not recognize their manic episodes and don’t seek help until they are immersed in depression symptoms. Some others may experience depression symptoms as their very first episode, and they won’t have a manic episode until some time in the future.

Women tend to experience depression as their first episode, whereas men tend to have a manic first episode. Read more about the common problem of misdiagnosis.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The good news is bipolar disorder can be treated. There are many different medicines shown to be effective in people with bipolar disorder. In most cases, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) is also used. Most people with bipolar disorder can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood and related symptoms with proper treatment. Read more about treatment options.

Next: Recognizing the symptoms >>>